Waterbury native Felicia Moniz is working hard to make a name for herself in the film industry — but she's nowhere near Hollywood.

Moniz, 22, works as a production assistant in Atlanta, alongside well-known director, actor and writer Tyler Perry. She has worked on several of Perry's television shows and films, including his latest, "Madea's Witness Protection," which was released June 29.

Before she ended up in Atlanta, Moniz graduated from Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury in 2007 and went on to attend Syracuse University in New York.

After she graduated from college last year, she sent her résumé to as many employers as she could find. Three months later, she got a call from someone with Tyler Perry Studios, offering her a job.

"She said, 'You need to be in Atlanta on Monday,'" Moniz said. "It was Friday and we lived in Connecticut. But my mom and I packed up and drove down."

When she arrived in Atlanta, Moniz worked for a three-week trial period on the TBS television show, "For Better or Worse."

After that, she worked on another TBS show, "House of Payne" and several of Perry's films.

"I get to meet the coolest people," Moniz said. "The last film starred Denise Richards, who is so nice. And Eugene Levy, he's so funny."

When she's on set, Moniz usually works 14 to 16 hours each day, casting and directing extras in the background of scenes.

But when she's not working on movies, Moniz works at the studio in any capacity she might be needed.

"I've been a receptionist, I've been a production assistant, I've been in accounting," she said. "I would say try everything before you commit to doing one thing."

Moniz's mother, Leslie Dlugokecki of Waterbury, said she's "so excited" about the opportunities her daughter has had.

"This is really her big break," Dlugokecki said. "She's worked on a lot of movies and she's doing so much."

Moniz said she hopes to continue to work her way up the ladder.

"I'd like to do casting, because you're really making someone's dreams come true," she said. "And I'd like to work in writing too, because that's my passion. It's what I really love to do."

For those hoping to break into the industry, Moniz has a few key pieces of advice.

"Contact anyone and everyone," she said. "What can it hurt? Try to talk to Tyler Perry, try to talk to Katie Couric."

She also said networking is one of the most important things a person can do to further their career.

"In this economy, it's so important to make connections," Moniz said. "You have to know people."

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